University of Maryland Volunteers

On Friday, April 27, volunteers from the University of Maryland MBA program came to Cornerstone to transform its outdoor space into more than just a patch of grass. Working with staff members and residents, the volunteers created two gardens filled with herbs, vegetables, and fruit to be enjoyed throughout the spring and summer. Through their time and generous donation of plants, soil, compost, and gardening supplies, the UMD MBA students provided an invaluable service to DASH. In addition to their gardening work, the volunteers provided a much-needed cleanup to Cornerstone’s side yard, making the area’s playground safe for children to use as the weather heats up. Thank you to the wonderful MBA students at the University of Maryland for making this service day a success!

Domestic Violence & Housing Taskforce Action Alert

Domestic Violence & Housing Taskforce Action Alert:

Stop Cuts that Hurt!

Fully Fund Domestic Violence and Homeless Services!

Housing Ends Homelessness

What you need to know:

  • No families requesting shelter at the Family Resource Center will be provided lifesaving shelter until next winter. The Administration has no plan to change that policy.
  • Families requesting shelter at FRC who have no safe plan for where to stay will be reported to CFSA.  CFSA currently has no housing resources to assist such families.
  • On any given day more than 50% of victims seeking domestic violence services in the District of Columbia request shelter or housing placement.[1] While it is common for victims to need safe housing, 74% of service requests for shelter or housing go unmet. [2]
  • The Mayor’s budget proposal has a $7 million funding gap for homeless services. The Administration is suggesting cutting food, transportation, outreach, medical and supportive services to people experiencing homelessness— which will hurt people already desperately in need of services.
  • The Mayor’s budget proposal has a $2.6 million funding gap for Office of Victim Services that will affect all services OVS provides to survivors including shelter and hotel stays.
  • The Mayor has no plan in place to provide long-term affordable housing to help lift families out of homelessness.

What you can do:

Wednesday Action: Call or email the DC Council to put money in the budget to help DC residents in need!

1)   Restore the $7 million funding gap in FY13 to make Homeless Services whole;

2)   Restore the $2.6 million to OVS to make victim services whole; AND

3)   End Homelessness for more than 500 children (250 families) with a Housing investment of $4 million in FY13.

Sample message: Please pass a budget that protects DC residents and responds to DC’s crisis of skyrocketing child homelessness by: 1) Restoring the $7 million gap in homeless services money so all adults and children experiencing homelessness have the services they need to survive; 2) Restoring $2.6 million to OVS’ budget to ensure victims of violence can access needed services; and 3) Placing at least 250 homeless families into long-term affordable housing as an effective and cost-efficient response to homelessness.

Chairman Kwame Brown, kbrown@dcouncil.us, 724-8032, @KwameBrownDC

Councilmember David Catania, dcatania@dcouncil.us, 724-7772

Councilmember Phil Mendelson, pmendelson@dcouncil.us, 724-8064

Councilmember Michael Brown, mbrown@dcouncil.us, 724-8105, @CMMichaelABrown

Councilmember Vincent Orange, vorange@dcouncil.us, 724-8174, @VincentOrangeDC

Councilmember Jim Graham, jim@grahamwone.com, 724-8181, @JimGrahamWard1

Councilmember Jack Evans, jevans@dcouncil.us, 724-8058, @JackEvansWard2

Councilmember Mary Cheh, mcheh@dcouncil.us, 724-8062, @MaryCheh

Councilmember Muriel Bowser, mbowser@dcouncil.us, 724-8052, @MurielBowser

Councilmember Tommy Wells, twells@dcouncil.us, 724-8072, @TommyWells

Councilmember Yvette Alexander, yalexander@dcouncil.us, 724-8068, @CYMYA

Councilmember Marion Barry, mbarry@dcouncil.us, 724-8045, @marionbarryjr

Thursday: Come to the Department of Human Services budget hearing at 11AM in Room 123 at 1350 Pennsylvania Ave NW to show your support for this proposal.

Friday:  Come to the Office of Victim Services budget hearing at 11:00 AM in room 412 at 1350 Pennsylvania Ave NW to show support for full funding for victims services.

Spread the word! Blog, Tweet, Facebook, talk to your neighbors– whatever you can!

Tweeting: Use the hashtag #dcfy13. Here are some sample tweets:

  1. End the Hunger Games: restore homeless services gap and put 250 families in housing! #dcfy13
  2. Looking forward to @JimGrahamWard1 supporting homeless kids at DHS budget hearing! #dcfy13
  3. Cuts hurt in #dcfy13. Please restore homeless services $ [insert Councilmember handle]
  4. Don’t gamble with kids’ lives: invest in affordable housing for 250 families in #dcfy13.

Contact the Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless at 328-5500 for more info on this campaign or Janelle Treibitz at makeonecitypossible@gmail.com to get involved in the

Fair Budget Coalition’s campaign to prioritize human needs in DC’s budget.

Contact Suzanne Marcus at the District Alliance for Safe Housing at 462-3274 for information about the Domestic Violence & Housing Taskforce at 202-462-3274 ext. 116 or email smarcus@dashdc.wpengine.com

[1] National Network to End Domestic Violence (2012). 2011 Domestic violence counts: A 24-hour census of domestic violence shelters and

services, Washington, D.C.: NNEDV

[2]

DASH featured in National Newsletter by NHLP

DASH was featured in the National Housing Law Project’s (NHLP) March 2012 newsletter, which highlights a number of DASH’s programs as national best practices for addressing homelessness amongst domestic violence victims.  The NHLP is a nonprofit national housing and legal advocacy center established in 1968 to advance housing justice for poor people.  The newsletter includes a full page on DASH, featuring information on The Cornerstone Project, The Empowerment Project, Project PATH, and the Domestic Violence and Housing Taskforce. DASH is one of a handful of organizations in the country dedicated to increasing housing access for victims  by developing housing programs and advocating for systemic change.

DASH has made great strides in addressing the housing needs of survivors of domestic violence. Since its inception, DASH has helped survivors have over 37,665 “safe nights” and provided safe housing to 218 individuals. In addition, through community outreach efforts, DASH trained more than 1,500 abuse survivors to exercise their housing rights so as to avoid eviction stemming from violence in their homes. DASH also has trained more than 60 housing providers seeking to improve their response to victims in their programs. Despite the economic downturn, DASH continues to work hard to ensure quality housing for survivors and their families. For more information about DASH, please visit www.dashdc.org.

The newsletter also featured information on the report released in February by the National Network on Domestic Violence – a National Census on Domestic Violence Services.  It illustrated that, in total, 1,726 out of 1,944 domestic violence programs in the United States and its territories participated. The census has several findings regarding housing needs of domestic violence survivors. The census found that on September 15, 2011, 67,399 adults and children sought services from domestic violence programs. Of those individuals, more than 36,000 received emergency shelter or transitional housing from a domestic violence program. Of the victims served, 35% were living in emergency shelter and 19% were living in transitional housing. Of the domestic violence programs surveyed, 74% provided emergency shelter, and 35% provided transitional housing. Additionally, 82% of the programs provided advocacy for survivors related to housing or landlords.

DASH is honored to be in partnership with the National Housing Law Project. For information on their domestic violence and housing newsletter, please contact Meliah Schultzman at mschultzman@nhlp.org or 415-546-7000 x. 3116.

March 2012 Newsletter FINAL-1

Allies in Change Luncheon

Table Settings

On Wednesday, March 28, DASH held its annual Allies in Change Awards Luncheon, celebrating five years of the organization’s mission to serve survivors of domestic and sexual violence with safe housing and honoring community partners who went above and beyond the call to help families facing homelessness as a result of domestic violence.  Our Mistress of Ceremonies was Pat Lawson Muse from NBC News4, a long-time news anchor in Washington, DC, who energized the crowd and eloquently presented the DASH honorees their awards.  All of our honorees are featured in DASH Blog interviews that you can access on this blog site.

DASH Staff with Pat Lawson Muse at Luncheon

The Keynote address was made by Olga Trujillo, an attorney, advocate, and survivor of childhood domestic violence at the hands of her father and brothers, which resulted in her subsequent diagnosis of Dissociative Identity Disorder.  Olga has chronicled her struggle and recovery in the book, The Sum of My Parts: A Survivor’s Story of Dissociative Identity Disorder, parts of which she relayed during the lunch, conveying a powerful message of how we can all help others, even if we don’t know it.

DASH Brochure and Five-year Report

Additionally, DASH shared a video of the stories of our Cornerstone Building’s residents. To the surprise of the 160 attendees, including our incredible sponsors, the women featured were in attendance and were given an enormous round of applause. DASH feels honored to be able to celebrate our work and accomplishments with such a vibrant, compassionate, and powerful community, and we look forward to next year’s event! We’re grateful for

Mistress of Ceremonies Pat Lawson Muse and DASH Executive Director Peg Hacskaylo

everyone’s support and help in making DASH a place where home is a safe place for all. Please click here for information on DASH’s goals for the next five years.

DASH Seeking New Housing Program Director for Cornerstone

Please share.

Housing Program Director (Cornerstone Program)

Program Description: The District Alliance for Safe Housing, Inc. (DASH) is a nonprofit agency that works to ensure access to safe and sustainable refuge for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault through the development and management of safe housing and housing resources.  The Cornerstone Program is one of DASH’s newly developed and largest safe housing programs.

Report to: Deputy Director

Responsibilities: Provide support and management expertise to the operations of a 47-unit safe housing program and the holistic supportive services to be offered.  This is a first line supervisory position involving planning, programming, and management responsibilities. Duties are as follows:

  • Provide oversight of participant advocacy services, including: Develop and implement supportive programs and activities; Monitor adherence to the voluntary service model, organizational commitment to low barrier services and universal accessibility; and, Solicit participant feedback in on-going program development and evaluation.
  • Identify areas for program improvement and innovation, and work with staff to revise or refine policy and protocol to enhance program functioning, incorporating participant feedback and best practices as often as possible.
  • Assist in resolving problems which may arise with staff, residents and community members.
  • Develop collaborations with other community-based organizations.
  • Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate Residential Advocate staff, in close collaboration with the TA Team, assuring accurate documentation in participant files; adherence to confidentiality policies; and providing on-going staff support, evaluation and feedback.
  • Manage the 24-hour, 7-day a week, staffing schedule.
  • Coordinate with the Clinical Director to facilitate ongoing training and clinical supervision to the Resident Advocates and for technical assistance on issues requiring clinical support and analysis.
  • Coordinate with the Addictions Specialist to facilitate ongoing training and support to Resident Advocates on addiction issues and for technical assistance on issues requiring expertise in addiction services and support.
  • Work with the Property Manager to: Promptly address facility issues; Maintain clear boundaries between facilities and program roles and assist staff and residents in understanding and maintaining these boundaries; and Ensure prompt unit turnover through clear and timely communication with the Property Manager regarding new intakes and unit vacancies.
  • Work with the Development Specialist to: Communicate in-kind program needs; Provide program information for grant reports in a timely manner; Assist with site visits from funders; and, Collaborate to ensure volunteer events and activities for the program run smoothly.
  • Perform other duties which contribute to the running of the worksite, including ordering equipment and supplies.
  • Other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications: A Master’s Degree and five years work experience in residential programs required (work experience may be substituted for education requirement). Experience in program development and implementation.  Experience managing a housing program.  Fluency in a foreign language a plus. Knowledge of domestic violence and related and intersecting issues, voluntary service model and harm reduction model a plus.  Comfortable managing a large housing facility.

To Apply: Email cover letter plus resume to info@dashdc.wpengine.com (please put title of position on subject line). No phone calls please. No fax please.

Spotlight on Allies in Change Awardees: Jamila Larson

On March 28th, DASH will hold its Allies in Change luncheon, honoring individuals who have supported and amplified the organization’s work to provide relief to survivors of domestic and sexual violence,through emergency and long-term safe housing, and innovative homelessness prevention services. We are doing a series of interviews of our awardees beforehand to share a bit more about them. This blog focuses on Jamila Larson, who has brought her work with the Homeless Children’s Playtime Project to DASH’s community. Remember to buy tickets to the luncheon here!

We are pleased to introduce Jamila Larson. Ms. Larson came to D.C. in 1996 from Wisconsin and has been running the Playtime Project as a volunteer since its founding in 2003. She assumed the role as first fulltime Executive Director in September 2009. Her experience as a licensed clinical social worker running a mental health and after school program and as a policy researcher at the Children’s Defense Fund helped inform her leadership of the Playtime Project. “We are fortunate to have the most amazing volunteers and dedicated supporters s who recognize the unlimited potential in the children and families we serve and make a commitment to protecting a child’s right to experience joy.”

Below is the interview we conducted with Ms. Larson. We are grateful to have her as a partner and friend, and are looking forward to honoring her and others March 28th!

Jamila Larson and Lars from Homeless Children's Playtime Project

“My friend from the Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless told me about this great group of women starting DASH and recommended we consider bringing our Playtime Project model to their new housing program. I jumped at the chance because we know many of the children we serve in family shelters have experienced domestic violence, but to be able to partner with an agency that specializes in this population is something we’d really like to do.

I grew up in rural Wisconsin but moved to DC in 1996 right out of college to work for the Children’s Defense Fund on national policy issues effecting children and families. Discovering how many local needs there are in this city made me passionate to stay and learn about the needs of children and families locally and serve here.

I think there should be a domestic violence fatality review team, similar to child fatality review teams, that analyzes what was done and what was not done by the authorities and service providers in order to fine tune interventions in high risk cases. More police escorts and relocation assistance is needed especially around the time protection orders are filed to ensure families survive dangerous transition times. Education for teen girls and boys in middle school and high school is also critical to help break the cycle as young people are experiencing their first relationships.

We educate our volunteers about the likelihood that many of the families we serve in non-domestic violence shelters have experienced domestic violence, and we work to create a safe environment for all the children we serve. It’s important to give children an environment that gives them therapeutic tools to work through their feelings and experiences (like doll houses, play doh, puppets and art supplies). We want to equip all of the children we serve with coping skills against violence and to make sure they feel safe to relax and express themselves.

Jamila and her newborn

I am a new parent to a darling 5-month-old boy, and it makes me think a lot about how to raise a wonderful man in this world. I read something recently about how respecting children when they tell us “no” helps teach them to respect others who tell them no. This makes a lot of sense to me, to help relatively powerless children find their voice. Check back with me in a year…I will put this consciousness to the test when he starts talking back!”

DASH Featured on Channel 9 News

Note: Some content may be triggering due to graphic descriptions.

Last night, DASH was featured in a lead story on Local Channel 9 news (CBS) about safe housing for survivors of domestic violence, a story that was prompted by the murder on Tuesday in Kensington, MD of Heather Lynn McGuire by her estranged husband, who then committed suicide.

Journalist Gary Nurenberg interviewed DASH Executive Director Peg Hacskaylo, as well as three residents of DASH’s Cornerstone Program, to learn more about safe shelter and how victims of domestic and sexual violence can escape abuse to establish safe, independent lives.  The story, which also included footage of the safe housing apartments DASH provides its residents at Cornerstone, was the centerpiece of the feature, which also highlighted the story of the tragic murder/suicide, an interview with Dr. Phil McGraw, and an interview with Yvette McCade, a local survivor of an attempted murder by her estranged husband.

Click here to view the broadcast and read the accompanying story, click here: WUSA 9 DASH Story

If you would like to learn more about DASH and support the work we do to help women and children in our community, our 2nd annual DASH Allies in Change Luncheon is March 28 (2012) at 12:00pm at the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill. The lunch is open to the public and tickets can be purchased here: Allies in Change. You can also visit www.dashdc.org for more information or to make a secure donation online.

DASH extends its gratitude to WUSA Channel 9 and Gary Nurenberg for its attention to and coverage of this important issue and the work that DASH does to help survivors and their families.

Spotlight on Allies in Change Awardees: Andrew Lazerow

On March 28th, DASH will hold its Allies in Change luncheon, honoring individuals who have supported and amplified the organization’s work to provide relief to survivors of domestic and sexual violence,through emergency and long-term safe housing, and innovative homelessness prevention services. We are doing a series of interviews of our awardees beforehand to share a bit more about them. This blog focuses on Andrew Lazerow, who provides DASH with legal support. Remember to buy tickets to the luncheon here!

Andrew Lazerow, Allies in Change Awardee

DASH is happy to introduce Andrew Lazerow. Mr. Lazerow is of counsel in the Covington & Burling LLC’s  Washington, DC office.  He has extensive experience representing clients in numerous industries in alternative dispute resolution proceedings, antitrust class actions, securities fraud class actions, and complex commercial disputes.  He litigates and tries complex matters in federal court.

Below are comments Andrew had about his relationship to DASH and to the District of Columbia:

I grew up just outside the city, in Bethesda, Maryland.  However, I went to law school in DC, and lived in Adams Morgan for a number of years.

I have had the privilege of acting as quasi outside counsel to DASH for a few years now.  I truly enjoy working with DASH’s executive staff to ensure that DASH operates safe facilities.  It is obviously critical that victims of domestic abuse not suffer a second injustice.  DASH offers that refuge, and I hope that my small part furthers DASH’s mission in this regard.

DASH is proud to honor Mr. Lazerow for his ongoing contributions to the organization.

DASH at NNEDV’s Second Annual World Conference for Women’s Shelters

DASH is pleased to be participating today in the second annual World Conference for Women’s Shelters, organized by the National Network to End Domestic Violence and the Global Network of Women’s Shelters. The conference is organized as a peer-to-peer learning event, with over 2,000 advocates working in women’s shelters from all over the world learning best practices from one another. This year, the event is taking place in our home of Washington, DC.

Peg Hacskaylo, DASH Executive Director, Presenting at World Conference on Women's Shelters

DASH staff is presenting several workshops at the conference.  Yesterday Peg Hacskaylo presented with Melissa Hook at the DC Office of Victim Services on Issues and Approaches to Developing Safe Housing, including discussions of how to start a safe housing program. The two used DASH’s experiences as a case study in building effective partnerships with the city agencies to build housing capacity, with various issues to consider, including evaluating housing options, assessing different models for housing, obtaining financing, planning for development, handling community relations, preparing for facility management and security, and determining program suitability.

Later in the day Peg presented DASH’s video and discussed DASH’s program model with Suzanne Marcus, DASH’s Deputy Director.  On Thursday DASH management staff will present a workshop in the Empowering & Supporting Advocates track, titled Creating a Management Structure to Support Survivor and Advocate Safety. Along with Suzanne, Victoria Green, Clinical Director, and Michelle Linzy, Addictions Specialist, will discuss DASH’s unique management structure, designed to: 1) Support advocate (case worker) staff with navigating the nuances that exist within a low barrier, voluntary services housing program model; and 2) Process the emotional impact of the work to prevent advocate burn out which can often lead to staff abuse of power.  This session will examine the role of DASH’s Clinical Director and Chemical Addictions Specialist staff to promote trauma informed advocacy with a diverse population of survivors and their families.

The goal is that delegates to the conference will leave with an enhanced understanding of how a management structure that centers on intensive supervision and support of the non-professional/ advocate staff can minimize compassion fatigue and increase staff retention. Delegates will also learn how having a Clinical Director, Chemical Addictions Specialist and other staff specialists can provide a space within the organization for on-going professional development, program innovation and individual growth.

DASH resident children offer flowers of welcome to Danish Princess Mary

During this historic world conference DASH is hosting shelter tours for program operators and city administrators from New York City, advocates from East Timor, and officials from the US Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women.  Conferences such as this one provide DASH with the imperative opportunity to share in our unique approach and best practices. We remain committed to domestic and sexual violence survivor services that are informed by innovation, survivor autonomy and respect, and delivering the best possible outcomes for program participants. We are happy to also learn from our colleagues around the world – a DASH program participant (the child of a survivor in our housing) today presented the Danish princess, one of the conference attendees, with flowers as welcome to the United States.

Thanks to NNEDV and the GNWS for the energy and vision required to put an event like this together.

Spotlight on Allies in Change Awardees: Paul M. Aguggia

On March 28th, DASH will hold its Allies in Change luncheon, honoring individuals who have supported and amplified the organization’s work to provide relief to survivors of domestic and sexual violence,through emergency and long-term safe housing, and innovative homelessness prevention services. We are doing a series of interviews of our awardees beforehand to share a bit more about them. This blog focuses on Paul M. Aguggia, who provides DASH with legal support. Remember to buy tickets to the luncheon here!

Paul Aguggia

Mr. Aguggia had the following commentary on his involvement with DASH:

“I am extremely proud to serve as outside legal counsel for DASH.  I hope to help serve the community that DASH serves by providing support for this wonderful organization. I grew up in NYC but have spent most of my adult life in DC.  I like to think I have become “connected” to DC in many ways … but I still love New York.  I believe strongly in DASH’s mission.  I commit to that mission with my time and I urge others to find their own way to help these women and their families. I am proud to be able to assist DASH in some way.  Peg Hacskaylo and the DASH team are truly extraordinary.”

Paul Aguggia focuses his practice on public and private capital raising transactions, corporate reorganizations and restructurings, mergers and acquisitions, federal securities reporting, federal and state securities compliance matters and general corporate law. He provides strategic advice and counsel to public and private companies. Mr. Aguggia also advises private investors, including private equity funds and hedge funds. He has experience with proxy contests and shareholder relations matters. Mr. Aguggia frequently advises boards of directors and committees of boards of directors on corporate governance matters, including compliance with the provisions of Sarbanes-Oxley. Mr. Aguggia has extensive experience in the representation of financial institutions and has frequently represented mutual financial institutions with respect to mutual-to-stock conversions, mutual holding company reorganizations, charter choice and depositor/member issues. Mr. Aguggia received his J.D. from Duke University School of Law and a B.A. from Colgate University.